Hammersmith Flyover reopens to light traffic

The Hammersmith Flyover in west London has reopened after a three-week closure.

The flyover was shut when serious damage to cables in the structure was discovered.

One lane opened in each direction from 04:30 GMT - but the road remains closed to HGVs and coaches.

Closure of the A4 route, which is usually used by about 90,000 vehicles a day, has caused serious congestion in west London.

'Reduce disruption'

A steady seepage of salt water into the structure, built in the 1960s, had weakened the structure but, following the work since the closure on 23 December, engineers said it was now safe to take light traffic.

Strengthening work will continue for the next four months and drivers are still advised to "consider avoiding the area if possible".

Once new cables are installed, the flyover will be be reopened to all traffic "well ahead of the London 2012 Games", said a TfL spokesman.

Garrett Emmerson, chief operating officer for surface transport, said: "This should significantly reduce the traffic disruption many thousands of drivers have been experiencing since the flyover closed."